Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A simultaneous multithreading (SMT)-capable device, comprising: one or more processors configured to: determine that the SMT-capable device is enabled to perform multithreading; in response to the determination that the SMT-capable device is enabled to perform multithreading: divide a plurality of comparators associated with the SMT-capable device into a plurality of groups of comparators corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of threads associated with the enabled SMT-capable device; assign a first group of comparators to a first thread included in the plurality of threads and assign a second group of comparators to a second thread included in the plurality of threads; obtain from one or more queues of decoded instructions a first set of instructions that is tagged with a first identifier associated with the first thread; distribute the first set of instructions to the first group of comparators corresponding to the first thread based at least in part on the first identifier associated with the first thread; obtain from the one or more queues of decoded instructions a second set of instructions that is tagged with a second identifier associated with the second thread; distribute the second set of instructions to the second group of comparators corresponding to the second thread based at least in part on the second identifier associated with the second thread; and perform data dependency detection on the first set of instructions associated with the first thread using the first group of comparators and perform data dependency detection on the second set of instructions associated with the second thread using the second group of comparators; receive an indication that the SMT-capable device has been restarted; determine that the SMT-capable device is disabled from performing multithreading and is configured to perform a single thread; and in response to the determination that the SMT-capable device is disabled from performing multithreading and is configured to perform the single thread: merge the first group of comparators and the second group of comparators back into the plurality of comparators; assign the plurality of comparators to the single thread; distribute a third set of instructions to the plurality of comparators corresponding to the single thread; and perform data dependency detection on the third set of instructions using the plurality of comparators; and a memory coupled to the one or more processors and configured to provide instructions to the one or more processors.
Computer architecture and processor design. This invention addresses the efficient management of hardware resources, specifically comparators, in simultaneous multithreading (SMT) capable devices, particularly during transitions between multithreaded and single-threaded operation, such as after a restart. The device includes one or more processors and memory. When multithreading is enabled, the processors divide comparators into groups, with each group assigned to a specific thread. Decoded instructions, tagged with thread identifiers, are obtained from queues and distributed to the corresponding comparator groups for data dependency detection. Upon detecting a restart, the device determines that multithreading is disabled and it will operate in a single-threaded mode. In this mode, the previously divided comparator groups are merged back into a single pool. This entire pool of comparators is then assigned to the single thread. A new set of instructions is distributed to all the comparators for data dependency detection. This process ensures efficient utilization of comparators regardless of whether the device is operating in SMT or single-threaded mode.
2. The SMT-capable device of claim 1 , wherein the SMT-capable device comprises a central processing unit (CPU).
A surface-mount technology (SMT)-capable device includes a central processing unit (CPU) for executing computational tasks. The device is designed to be mounted directly onto a printed circuit board (PCB) using SMT techniques, which involve soldering components directly to the board's surface. The CPU processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages data operations, enabling the device to function as a computing unit. The integration of a CPU allows the SMT-capable device to handle complex tasks, such as data processing, control functions, or communication operations, depending on its intended application. The device may also include additional components, such as memory, input/output interfaces, or peripheral devices, to enhance its functionality. The use of SMT ensures efficient assembly, compact design, and reliable electrical connections, making the device suitable for various electronic applications, including consumer electronics, industrial systems, and embedded computing. The CPU's presence enables the device to perform real-time processing, multitasking, and other advanced computational operations, enhancing its versatility and performance in diverse environments.
3. The SMT-capable device of claim 1 , wherein the enabled SMT-capable device is configured to execute at least two threads.
The invention relates to a surface-mount technology (SMT)-capable device designed for high-performance computing applications. The device addresses the need for efficient multi-threading in integrated circuits to improve processing power and resource utilization. The SMT-capable device is structured to support simultaneous multithreading (SMT), allowing it to execute multiple threads concurrently on a single processor core. This enhances throughput by maximizing hardware utilization, particularly in workloads with high levels of parallelism. The device includes a core configured to process instructions from at least two threads simultaneously. Each thread operates independently, sharing core resources such as execution units, caches, and registers while maintaining separate architectural states. The device may also include logic to manage thread scheduling, resource allocation, and conflict resolution to ensure efficient execution. Additionally, the device may incorporate mechanisms to dynamically adjust thread priority or resource allocation based on workload demands, optimizing performance for diverse computing tasks. The SMT capability enables the device to handle multiple software threads efficiently, reducing idle cycles and improving overall system responsiveness. This is particularly beneficial in applications requiring high computational throughput, such as data centers, scientific computing, and real-time processing systems. The device may also include interfaces for communication with other components, such as memory controllers or peripheral devices, to further enhance its functionality in integrated systems.
4. The SMT-capable device of claim 1 , wherein the first set of instructions associated with the first thread comprises an earlier instruction and a later instruction, and wherein a comparator of the first group of comparators is configured to: receive a destination operand reference associated with the earlier instruction; receive a source operand reference associated with the later instruction; perform data dependency on the earlier instruction and the later instruction by comparing the destination operand reference associated with the earlier instruction to the source operand reference associated with the later instruction; in response to a first determination that the destination operand reference associated with the earlier instruction is the same as the source operand reference associated with the later instruction, output a determination indicating that data dependency exists between the earlier instruction and the later instruction; and in response to a second determination that the destination operand reference associated with the earlier instruction is not the same as the source operand reference associated with the later instruction, output a determination indicating that data dependency does not exist between the earlier instruction and the later instruction.
In the field of computer architecture, particularly in systems with simultaneous multithreading (SMT) capabilities, a challenge arises in efficiently detecting data dependencies between instructions within a thread to optimize performance. A device is designed to address this by incorporating a comparator system that analyzes operand references to determine dependencies. The device includes a first set of instructions associated with a first thread, where the instructions include an earlier instruction and a later instruction. A comparator within the device receives a destination operand reference from the earlier instruction and a source operand reference from the later instruction. The comparator performs a comparison between these references to assess whether a data dependency exists. If the destination operand of the earlier instruction matches the source operand of the later instruction, the comparator outputs a signal indicating a dependency, which may trigger actions like stalling the later instruction. Conversely, if the references do not match, the comparator signals the absence of a dependency, allowing the later instruction to proceed without delay. This mechanism enhances instruction scheduling and execution efficiency by dynamically resolving dependencies within a thread in an SMT-capable processor.
5. The SMT-capable device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of groups of comparators comprises a same number of comparators.
The invention relates to a surface-mount technology (SMT)-capable device designed for high-speed signal processing, particularly in applications requiring precise signal comparison. The device includes multiple groups of comparators, where each group contains a specific number of comparators. The key innovation is that each group has an identical number of comparators, ensuring uniform performance and scalability across the device. This uniformity simplifies circuit design, reduces manufacturing variability, and enhances reliability in applications such as analog-to-digital conversion, signal detection, or high-frequency communication systems. The device may also include additional features like configurable comparator thresholds, parallel processing capabilities, or integrated error correction to improve accuracy and efficiency. By standardizing the comparator count within each group, the device ensures consistent signal processing performance, making it suitable for use in high-precision electronic systems where uniformity and reliability are critical.
6. The SMT-capable device of claim 1 , further comprising fetching instructions associated with the plurality of threads from the one or more queues of decoded instructions.
A system for managing simultaneous multithreading (SMT) in a processing device includes a plurality of execution units configured to execute instructions from multiple threads concurrently. The system further includes one or more queues for storing decoded instructions associated with the threads. A fetch unit retrieves instructions from the queues for execution by the execution units. The system may also include a scheduler that assigns threads to execution units based on availability and priority, ensuring efficient utilization of processing resources. The fetch unit dynamically selects instructions from the queues to maintain optimal throughput and minimize idle cycles. The system may further include a mechanism to prioritize instructions from different threads based on factors such as thread priority, instruction type, or resource availability. The queues may be organized to store instructions in an order that facilitates efficient fetching and execution, such as grouping instructions by thread or by execution unit compatibility. The system may also include a mechanism to monitor execution unit utilization and adjust instruction fetching accordingly to balance workload distribution. The overall design aims to maximize processing efficiency by dynamically managing instruction flow from multiple threads in an SMT-capable device.
7. The SMT-capable device of claim 1 , further comprising using polling to decode instructions associated with the plurality of threads.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to a System-on-Chip (SoC) device capable of Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT), addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and executing multiple threads in parallel to improve processing performance. The device includes a processor core configured to execute multiple threads concurrently, where each thread is associated with a distinct set of instructions. To enhance instruction processing, the device employs a polling mechanism to decode instructions for the plurality of threads. Polling allows the processor to dynamically monitor and prioritize instruction decoding based on thread availability and resource allocation, ensuring optimal utilization of processing resources. The polling mechanism may involve periodically checking thread statuses, such as instruction readiness or dependency resolution, to determine the next set of instructions to decode. This approach improves thread-level parallelism and reduces idle cycles, leading to better overall system efficiency. The device may also include additional features such as thread scheduling logic, shared execution units, and cache management to further optimize multi-threaded performance. The invention aims to provide a scalable and efficient solution for handling multiple threads in modern computing systems.
8. The SMT-capable device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: determine using the first group of comparators that data dependency does not exist between a first instruction and a second instruction from the first set of instructions; and use the first thread to execute the first instruction and the second instruction at least partially concurrently.
The invention relates to a surface-mount technology (SMT)-capable device designed to improve instruction execution efficiency in multi-threaded processing environments. The device addresses the challenge of optimizing performance by reducing unnecessary stalls caused by incorrect assumptions about data dependencies between instructions. The device includes one or more processors configured to execute multiple threads simultaneously, with each thread handling a set of instructions. The processors use a group of comparators to analyze instructions from a first set and determine whether data dependencies exist between them. If no dependency is detected between a first instruction and a second instruction, the device leverages the first thread to execute both instructions at least partially concurrently, thereby enhancing throughput. This approach minimizes idle cycles and improves overall processing efficiency by dynamically assessing dependencies and enabling concurrent execution where possible. The system ensures correct execution while maximizing parallelism, particularly in scenarios where traditional dependency checks might unnecessarily serialize operations. The invention is particularly useful in high-performance computing and real-time processing applications where minimizing latency is critical.
9. The SMT-capable device of claim 1 , wherein the first set of instructions that is tagged with the first identifier associated with the first thread and the second set of instructions that is tagged with the second identifier associated with the second thread are mutually independent.
This technical summary describes a system for managing simultaneous multithreading (SMT) in a processing device. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently executing multiple threads in parallel while ensuring thread independence to prevent conflicts and improve performance. The system includes a processing device capable of simultaneous multithreading, where multiple threads can execute concurrently on the same core. The device processes a first set of instructions tagged with a first identifier associated with a first thread and a second set of instructions tagged with a second identifier associated with a second thread. The key feature is that the first and second sets of instructions are mutually independent, meaning they do not share dependencies that would require synchronization or serialization. This independence allows the processing device to execute the instructions in parallel without performance degradation due to thread contention. The system may also include mechanisms to detect and manage instruction dependencies, ensuring that only truly independent instructions are executed simultaneously. This improves throughput by maximizing core utilization while maintaining thread isolation. The invention is particularly useful in high-performance computing environments where multiple threads must operate efficiently without interfering with one another.
10. A method, comprising: determining that a simultaneous multithreading (SMT)-capable device is enabled to perform multithreading; in response to the determination that the SMT-capable device is enabled to perform multithreading: dividing a plurality of comparators associated with the SMT-capable device into a plurality of groups of comparators corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of threads associated with the enabled SMT-capable device; assigning a first group of comparators to a first thread included in the plurality of threads and assigning a second group of comparators to a second thread included in the plurality of threads; obtaining from one or more queues of decoded instructions a first set of instructions that is tagged with a first identifier associated with the first thread; distributing the first set of instructions to the first group of comparators corresponding to the first thread based at least in part on the first identifier associated with the first thread; obtaining from the one or more queues of decoded instructions a second set of instructions that is tagged with a second identifier associated with the second thread; distributing the second set of instructions to the second group of comparators corresponding to the second thread based at least in part on the second identifier associated with the second thread; and performing data dependency detection on the first set of instructions associated with the first thread using the first group of comparators and performing data dependency detection on the second set of instructions associated with the second thread using the second group of comparators; receiving an indication that the SMT-capable device has been restarted; determining that the SMT-capable device is disabled from performing multithreading and is configured to perform a single thread; in response to the determination that the SMT-capable device is disabled from performing multithreading and is configured to perform the single thread: merging the first group of comparators and the second group of comparators back into the plurality of comparators; assigning the plurality of comparators to the single thread; distributing a third set of instructions to the plurality of comparators corresponding to the single thread; and performing data dependency detection on the third set of instructions using the plurality of comparators.
This invention relates to optimizing data dependency detection in simultaneous multithreading (SMT) processors. The problem addressed is inefficient resource utilization when multiple threads share a limited number of comparators for detecting data dependencies, leading to performance bottlenecks. The solution involves dynamically allocating comparators to threads based on whether multithreading is enabled or disabled. When SMT is enabled, the system divides available comparators into groups, each assigned to a separate thread. Instructions tagged with thread-specific identifiers are routed to their corresponding comparator groups for parallel dependency detection. This ensures each thread has dedicated resources, improving throughput. If the SMT device is restarted and multithreading is disabled, the comparator groups are merged back into a single pool, which is then allocated to a single-threaded workload. This dynamic reallocation ensures optimal use of hardware resources regardless of the operating mode. The method improves efficiency by preventing resource contention between threads during multithreading while maintaining full comparator utilization in single-threaded operation. The system automatically adjusts comparator allocation based on runtime conditions, enhancing performance without manual intervention.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the SMT-capable device comprises a central processing unit (CPU).
A system and method for optimizing processing in a device capable of simultaneous multithreading (SMT) involves dynamically adjusting thread scheduling based on workload characteristics to improve performance and energy efficiency. The device includes a central processing unit (CPU) with multiple hardware threads per core, allowing concurrent execution of multiple threads. The method monitors workload demands, such as instruction-level parallelism and resource contention, to determine optimal thread allocation. If a workload exhibits high parallelism, additional threads are activated to maximize throughput. Conversely, if contention is detected, threads are consolidated to reduce overhead. The CPU dynamically adjusts thread scheduling policies, such as priority assignment and cache partitioning, to balance performance and power consumption. This approach ensures efficient resource utilization while maintaining responsiveness. The system may also integrate with operating system-level schedulers to coordinate thread management across the entire system. By dynamically adapting to workload variations, the method enhances processing efficiency in SMT-capable devices, particularly in environments with fluctuating computational demands.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the SMT-capable device is configured to execute at least two threads.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to the field of computing systems, specifically to devices capable of Simultaneous Multi-Threading (SMT). SMT technology allows a single processor core to execute multiple threads concurrently, improving computational efficiency and resource utilization. The problem addressed is optimizing thread execution in SMT-capable devices to enhance performance and reduce latency. The invention describes a method for managing thread execution in an SMT-capable device, where the device is configured to execute at least two threads simultaneously. The method involves dynamically allocating and scheduling threads to maximize hardware utilization while minimizing conflicts. This includes techniques for thread prioritization, resource partitioning, and conflict resolution to ensure efficient execution. The device may include multiple processing cores, each capable of handling multiple threads, and may employ predictive algorithms to anticipate thread requirements and adjust scheduling accordingly. The system also monitors performance metrics to dynamically adjust thread allocation in real-time, ensuring optimal use of computational resources. The invention aims to improve processing efficiency by reducing idle cycles and enhancing parallelism, particularly in workloads with varying thread demands. By enabling concurrent execution of multiple threads, the device can handle complex tasks more efficiently, leading to faster processing times and better overall system performance. This approach is particularly beneficial in high-performance computing, data centers, and real-time processing applications where thread management is critical.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the first set of instructions associated with the first thread comprises an earlier instruction and a later instruction, and wherein a comparator of the first group of comparators is configured to: receive a destination operand reference associated with the earlier instruction; receive a source operand reference associated with the later instruction; perform data dependency on the earlier instruction and the later instruction by comparing the destination operand reference associated with the earlier instruction to the source operand reference associated with the later instruction; in response to a first determination that the destination operand reference associated with the earlier instruction is the same as the source operand reference associated with the later instruction, output a determination indicating that data dependency exists between the earlier instruction and the later instruction; and in response to a second determination that the destination operand reference associated with the earlier instruction is not the same as the source operand reference associated with the later instruction, output a determination indicating that data dependency does not exist between the earlier instruction and the later instruction.
In the field of computer architecture, particularly in parallel processing systems, a challenge arises in efficiently detecting data dependencies between instructions in different threads to optimize performance. Data dependencies occur when a later instruction in one thread relies on the result of an earlier instruction in another thread, requiring synchronization to maintain correctness. Traditional methods for detecting such dependencies can introduce significant overhead, impacting processing efficiency. This invention addresses this problem by implementing a hardware-based mechanism for detecting data dependencies between instructions in different threads. The system includes a comparator configured to analyze operand references of instructions from multiple threads. Specifically, the comparator receives a destination operand reference from an earlier instruction in a first thread and a source operand reference from a later instruction in a second thread. By comparing these references, the comparator determines whether the later instruction depends on the result of the earlier instruction. If the references match, the comparator outputs a signal indicating a data dependency exists, prompting necessary synchronization. If they do not match, the comparator signals that no dependency exists, allowing the instructions to proceed independently. This hardware-based approach reduces the latency and complexity associated with software-based dependency checks, improving overall system performance in multi-threaded environments.
14. The method of claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of groups of comparators comprises a same number of comparators.
This invention relates to a method for organizing and comparing data using groups of comparators in a digital or computational system. The problem addressed is the efficient and scalable comparison of data elements, particularly in systems where parallel processing or distributed computing is employed. The method involves dividing a set of comparators into multiple groups, where each group contains the same number of comparators. This uniform distribution ensures balanced workload and consistent performance across the groups. The comparators within each group operate in parallel to compare data elements, such as numerical values, strings, or other data types, and generate comparison results. The method may be used in applications like sorting algorithms, data filtering, or parallel processing systems where multiple comparisons must be performed simultaneously. By maintaining an equal number of comparators in each group, the method optimizes resource utilization and reduces processing time, particularly in large-scale or high-performance computing environments. The invention may also include additional steps, such as initializing the comparators, distributing data elements to the groups, and aggregating the comparison results for further processing. The uniform grouping of comparators ensures scalability and reliability in systems requiring high-throughput data comparison operations.
15. The method of claim 10 , further comprising fetching instructions associated with the plurality of threads from the one or more queues of decoded instructions.
A system and method for managing instruction execution in a multi-threaded processing environment addresses inefficiencies in thread scheduling and instruction processing. The invention optimizes performance by dynamically adjusting thread execution priorities based on real-time workload conditions. It includes a mechanism for monitoring thread states, identifying bottlenecks, and reallocating processing resources to improve throughput. The method involves decoding instructions from multiple threads into one or more queues, where each queue stores decoded instructions ready for execution. To enhance efficiency, the system fetches instructions from these queues based on priority rules, ensuring critical or high-priority threads receive timely processing. This approach minimizes idle cycles and maximizes processor utilization. The invention also includes mechanisms for handling instruction dependencies, ensuring correct execution order while maintaining performance. By dynamically managing instruction queues and thread priorities, the system adapts to varying workloads, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness. The method is particularly useful in high-performance computing environments where efficient thread management is critical.
16. The method of claim 10 , further comprising using polling to decode instructions associated with the plurality of threads.
A system and method for managing and decoding instructions in a multi-threaded processing environment. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently handling and decoding instructions from multiple threads in parallel processing systems, where traditional methods may suffer from bottlenecks or inefficiencies due to thread contention or resource allocation. The method involves dynamically assigning and managing threads to optimize processing efficiency, ensuring that instructions from different threads are executed in an orderly and conflict-free manner. Additionally, the method incorporates a polling mechanism to decode instructions associated with the plurality of threads, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of instruction processing. This polling mechanism ensures that instructions are decoded accurately and promptly, reducing latency and improving overall system performance. The system may include a scheduler that coordinates thread execution, a decoder that processes instructions, and a controller that manages the polling process. The method is particularly useful in high-performance computing environments where multiple threads must be processed simultaneously without compromising speed or accuracy.
17. A computer program product, the computer program product being embodied in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for: determining that a simultaneous multithreading (SMT)-capable device is enabled to perform multithreading; in response to the determination that the SMT-capable device is enabled to perform multithreading: dividing a plurality of comparators associated with a SMT-capable device into a plurality of groups of comparators corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of threads associated with the enabled SMT-capable device; assigning a first group of comparators to a first thread included in the plurality of threads and assigning a second group of comparators to a second thread included in the plurality of threads; obtaining from one or more queues of decoded instructions a first set of instructions that is tagged with a first identifier associated with the first thread; distributing the first set of instructions to the first group of comparators corresponding to the first thread based at least in part on the first identifier associated with the first thread; obtaining from the one or more queues of decoded instructions a second set of instructions that is tagged with a second identifier associated with the second thread; distributing the second set of instructions to the second group of comparators corresponding to the second thread based at least in part on the second identifier associated with the second thread; and performing data dependency detection on the first set of instructions associated with the first thread using the first group of comparators and performing data dependency detection on the second set of instructions associated with the second thread using the second group of comparators; receiving an indication that the SMT-capable device has been restarted; determining that the SMT-capable device is disabled from performing multithreading and is configured to perform a single thread; and in response to the determination that the SMT-capable device is disabled from performing multithreading and is configured to perform the single thread: merging the first group of comparators and the second group of comparators back into the plurality of comparators; assigning the plurality of comparators to the single thread; distributing a third set of instructions to the plurality of comparators corresponding to the single thread; and performing data dependency detection on the third set of instructions using the plurality of comparators.
This invention relates to optimizing data dependency detection in simultaneous multithreading (SMT) processors. The problem addressed is inefficient resource utilization when SMT is enabled or disabled, particularly in handling instruction dependencies across multiple threads. The solution involves dynamically allocating comparator resources based on the processor's threading mode. When SMT is enabled, the system divides a pool of comparators into groups, each assigned to a separate thread. Instructions tagged with thread-specific identifiers are routed to their corresponding comparator groups for parallel dependency detection. This ensures each thread's instructions are processed independently without interference. If the SMT-capable device is restarted and switches to single-thread mode, the comparator groups are merged back into a unified pool. All instructions are then distributed to the full comparator set for dependency analysis. The invention improves performance by matching comparator allocation to the processor's threading state, preventing resource contention in multithreaded operation while maximizing efficiency in single-threaded mode. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures optimal use of hardware resources regardless of the threading configuration.
Unknown
January 28, 2020
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